The Old Bakery in Austin, Texas
historic place
The Old Bakery, a historic place in Austin, Travis County, was built in 1876 by Charles Lundberg. The historical marker, erected in 1966 by the Texas Historical Commission, details the bakery's early operations. Bread was not sliced or wrapped; children and maids waited with baskets for hot loaves from the oven. House specialties included sponge cake ladyfingers, glazed kisses, and almond-meal macaroons. A front balcony, since removed, allowed a later baker, Henry Maerki, to photograph parades, including one in 1901 for U.S. President William McKinley. The bakery operated until 1936. In 1963, the Austin Heritage Society and the Junior League rescued the building from demolition. Today, it serves as the Old Bakery and Emporium, an art gallery, artisan emporium, and visitor information center. The site matters historically as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and a reflection of Austin's early commerce and immigrant history.